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Commercial Building Plans Checklist for Permit Approval in Houston

  • jhannahgroup
  • Oct 16
  • 3 min read

When preparing commercial building plans for permit approval in Houston, accuracy and completeness are everything. Missing details or documents can delay approval by weeks. To help you avoid costly setbacks, here’s a step-by-step checklist from J. Hannah Design Group to ensure your submittal meets City of Houston requirements and passes review the first time.


1. Architectural Plans

Your architectural drawings form the foundation of your permit set. Include:

  • Site plan with property lines, setbacks, and easements

  • Floor plans with dimensions, room uses, and occupancy classifications

  • Roof plan with slope, drainage, and material specifications

  • Door, window, and finish schedules

  • Building elevations showing height and materials

  • Cross sections and wall details

  • ADA accessibility details (ramps, restrooms, entrances)

Tip: Double-check that your plans are drawn to scale, labeled clearly, and reference the latest 2021 IBC and City of Houston Amendments.


2. Structural Plans

Demonstrate the building’s strength and safety:

  • Foundation plan and details (piers, beams, slab, footings)

  • Framing plans for floors, roofs, and walls

  • Structural load calculations

  • Details for connections, anchoring, and reinforcement

  • Wind load and uplift calculations (ASCE 7-16 for Houston region)

Tip: Have a licensed Texas structural engineer sign and seal all sheets.


3. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Plans

All MEP disciplines must be prepared and sealed by licensed professionals:

  • Mechanical: HVAC layouts, ductwork, air flow calculations, equipment schedules

  • Electrical: Power distribution, lighting layout, panel schedules, load calculations, exit and emergency lighting

  • Plumbing: Water, waste, vent, and gas piping diagrams, riser diagrams, fixture schedules

Tip: Verify energy compliance under IECC 2021 and include a COMcheck report.


4. Fire Protection and Life Safety Plans

Houston Fire Department (HFD) requires dedicated documentation for:

  • Fire alarm and sprinkler system design drawings

  • Egress plans showing travel paths and exit signage

  • Occupant load calculations and fire ratings of walls and doors

  • Fire extinguisher locations and emergency lighting

  • Fire-resistance details for rated assemblies

Tip: Label occupancy types per IBC Chapter 3 and coordinate with your fire consultant before submittal.


5. Site and Civil Engineering Plans

Your site design must comply with Houston’s infrastructure and drainage codes:

  • Grading and drainage plan with elevation contours

  • Utility plan (water, sanitary, storm, gas, electric)

  • Paving and parking layout, with ADA spaces

  • Detention and storm water management details

  • Landscaping plan per City of Houston ordinance

Tip: For projects larger than one acre, include an approved SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan).


6. Supporting Documents

Don’t forget these commonly overlooked attachments:

  • Completed Building Permit Application

  • Plat and recorded deed (for ownership verification)

  • Energy compliance certificate (COMcheck)

  • Soils report (if required by engineer)

  • Letter of Authorization if applicant is not the owner

  • Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) for large developments

  • Floodplain review documents (if applicable)

Tip: Upload all PDFs clearly named and under 100MB each when submitting to the Houston Permitting Center’s online portal.


7. Professional Stamps and Signatures

  • Texas-licensed architects and engineers must sign, date, and seal all relevant sheets.

  • Digital seals are acceptable if in accordance with Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and TBPELS standards.

  • Ensure consistency between title blocks and professional registration info.


8. Submission and Review Process

Once your plan set is complete:

  • Submit via the Houston Permitting Center (HPC) Online Plan Review Portal.

  • Pay applicable fees.

  • Monitor review status in your portal dashboard.

  • Address comments promptly during plan review cycles.

  • Once approved, download your permit and begin construction.


9. Common Reasons for Delay

Avoid these frequent mistakes:

  • Missing engineer or architect seals

  • Incomplete MEP drawings

  • Inconsistent addresses or project titles across sheets

  • Missing ADA or energy compliance documentation

  • Outdated code references


10. Partner with a Professional Design Firm

Navigating Houston’s commercial permitting process can be overwhelming. J. Hannah Design Group streamlines the process with:

  • Expert architectural drafting and engineering coordination

  • Local code compliance experience

  • Complete permit set preparation and submission support



Ready to get your project moving? Contact our team today to start your permit-ready commercial building plans.

 
 
 

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